Pon Radhakrishnan alleges irregularities in desilting work in Tamil Nadu

"Sand was being mined by private operators and sold at additional cost. The government should know the situation," he told reporters here.

"With the state government not making arrangements to enable the farmers to desilt rivers and other water bodies, there were irregularities. In such a situation, the government should withdraw the order to desilt rivers and other water bodies," he said.

He also alleged that there were numerous complaints that private schools in the state were collecting exorbitant fee from the parents.

"There is enormous corruption in the education department. However, the present Education Minister has brought several changes in the department and I appreciate him for that," he added.

Radhakrishnan also urged Education Department officials in the state to monitor institutes which were collecting exorbitant fees and take necessary action against

them.

On a proposal to convert four-lane highways into six-lanes, the Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping said there was a problem in acquiring land for the same.

He said there are issues with regard to acquiring land for the conversion of four-lane roads between Chennai and Chengalpattu.

There is also a proposal for construction of "high speed expressway," he said.